3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl esters of organic acids

ABSTRACT

3-(4-METHYL-3-CYCLOHEXENYL)BUTYL ESTERS FORM A CLASS OF COMPOUNDS EXHIBITING FUNGICIDAL AND PLANT GROWTH REGULANT ACTIVITY, AND, OF WHICH, CERTAIN 3-(4-METHYL-3-CYCLOHEXENYL)BUTYL ESTERS OF SUBSTITUTED ACETIC ACIDS ARE NOVEL COMPOUNDS. IN FUNGICIDE TESTS, THE COMPOUNDS OF THIS INVENTION ARE EFFECTIVE AGAINST FUSARIUM OXYSPORIUM, PYTHIUM DEBARYANUM, RHIZOCTONIA SOLANI AND SCEROTIUM ROLFSII. IN HERBICIDE TESTS, POST-EMERGENT APPLICATION OF THE COMPOUNDS OF THIS INVENTION PROVIDES PLANT GROWTH REGULANT ACTION, SUCH AS COTTON DEFOILATION AND CHEMICAL PINCHING.

3-(4-lVIE'IHYL-3-CYCLOHEXENYL)BUTYL ESTERS OF ORGANIC ACIDS Jerry G. Strong, Westfield, N.J., assignor to Mobil Oil Corporation No Drawing; Filed June 14, 1971, Ser. No. 153,057

Int. Cl. C07c 6'9/66 US. Cl. 260-484 R i u 4 3 Claims 1 ABSTRACT OFdTHE DISCLOSURE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION US. application S.N. 153,058, filed on the same date herewith, and entitled, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl esters and epoxidized derivatives thereof as insect juvenile hormone mimicking compounds and insecticides, relates to use of certain 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl esters for insect control.

BACKGROUND OF THEVINVQENTION Field of the invention This invention is directed to the use of certain 3-(4- methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl esters as fungicides and plant'growth regulants. It is further directed to a certain group of such esters, namely the 3-(4methyl-3-cyclohexenyl) butyl esters-of substituted acetic acids, which are novel compounds useful as fungicides and plant growth regulants. I

' Description of the prior art '3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl esters of acetic acids substituted in the alpha-position with hydrogen and simple alkyl radicals are disclosed in 'U.S. Pat. No. 2,556,150 as compounds having desirable and persistent odors. Examples of these compound are the 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclo hexenyl)butyl esters of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and cyclopropane and cyclohexane carboxylic acids. 4

French Pat. No. 2,007,187 discloses certain specific derivatives of cyclohexene as insecticides. J

SUMMARY. OF. THEINVENTION This invention provides for-use as fungicides and plant growth regulants' compounds selected fromthe group 'consisting of (1) a compound of the following formula;

rai 2-chloroacetic acid, 3-,( t-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl wherein R is a member selected from the group consisting of alkyl of 1 -6 carbon atoms and cycloalkyl of 3 -6 carbon atoms, and (2) a compound of the following formula:

9 (2) wherein R and R are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen (e.g., fluorine, chlorine and bro mine), nitro, alkoxy of 1-4 carbon atoms, phenoxy, substituted phenoxy, haloalkyl of 1-4 carbon atoms, aryl, aroyl, acetyl, cyano, alkylmercapto of 1-4 carbon atoms, mercapto, hydroxy, carbalkoxy of 24 carbon atoms, carboxy, alkylamino of 1-4 carbon atoms, amide, alkyl of 1-6 carbon atoms, alkenyl of 2-6 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 3-6 carbon atoms, epoxyalkyl of 2-6 carbon atoms, =CR R and combinations thereof, and wherein R and R may be a part of an aromatic homocyclic ring, 1 aromatic heterocyclic ring, a saturated homocyclic ring or a saturated heterocyclic ring, and wherein R is selected from the group consisting of halogen (e.g., fluorine, chlorine and bromine), nitro, alkoxy of 1-4 carbon atoms, phenoxy, substituted phenoxy, haloalkyl of 1-4 carbon atoms, aryl, aroyl, acetyl, cyano, alkylmercapto of 1-4 carbon atoms, mercapto, hydroxy, carbalkoxy of 24 carbon atoms, carboxy, alkylamino of 1-4 carbon atoms, amide, alkenyl of 2-6 carbon atoms, epoxyalkyl of 26 carbon atoms and cycloalkyl of 3-6 carbon atoms, R, and R are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl of 1-5 carbon atoms and aryl, n is an integer oil or 0, and n is the integer 0 when R or R is =CR R I The invention also embodies, as novel compounds, the compounds of the Formula 2 set forth hereinbefore.

DESCRIPTION 'OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS Non-limiting examples of the compounds of Formula 1 include:

Acetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester; Propionic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester;

Butyric acid, 3- (4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester;

Iso-butyric acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester;

'Pivalic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester;

Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester;

Cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester. 1

Non-limitingexamples of the compounds of Formula 1 ester; 2,2-diehloroacetic acid, 3r(4-methyl-3- ester; 2,2,2-tribromoacetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl) butyl'esterj' 2-nitropropionic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester;

ester;

. 1' Ratented Nov; 20, 3"

2- methoxybutyric acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl Compounds of the structure of Formula 2 may be pre- Z-butoxyaceticacid, 3-(4:methyl-3-cyclohexenl)butyl Procedure I Y. 7 1;...1.: .:.:::=;:.-::.r.;.::.. Y. Iiiziz-dimethoxyacetlc 3'(4'methyl'3'cyclohexenyl) ately substituted carboxylic acid halide are mixed in a butyl ester; suitable solvent, if desired, and with a suitable acid z-phenoxyacetlc acld, 3(4'methyl3'cyclohexenyubutyl 5 accepting agent, if desired. Non-limiting examples of solvents for use in this procedure include ethyl ether, 2-QA-dlchlorophenoxy)acct; benzene, toluene, hexane, heptane, and chloroform. Nonhexenynbutyl ester; limiting examples of acid accepting agents for use in this 2- (z'methyl'4'chlorophenoxy)acetlc acld procedure include trialkylamines, arylamines, pyridine cYlhXenyDbPty1ester? 10 and sodium carbonate. The resulting mixture is stirred 2'm n d 37(47 I and heated, if desired, for anappropriate time, and then methyly 9 e washed with water, dried and evaporated to yield the 3-chloropropion1c acld, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl) desired product. 1 ,1'

buiyl ester; Various compounds of the structure of Formula 2 also 2,3-d1chlorobutyr1c acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cycl0hexenyl) can be prepared using alternate procedures as, fo butyl ester; ample, are indicated inProcedures H and'III below. 2,2-dipheny1acet1c acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl i I I ester; Procedure H 2-benzoy1acetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl 2 3 (4 methy1 3 cyclohexenynbutanol is condensed by ester; 0 acid catalyzation with an appropriately substituted carz'acztylacetlc acld 3'(4'methyl'3'cyclohexenyl)butyl boxylic acid in a suitable inert solvent, if a solvent is dees er; sired. Water is removed as a by-product. Non-limiting exz'cyitmoproplomc acld 3'(4'methyl'3'cyclohexenyl)butyl amples of acid catalysts. for use in this procedure include es er; hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid z'lgethflthloacenc acld 3'(4'methyl'3'cyclohexenyl) and phosphoric acid. Non-limiting examples of solvents uty ester; 1 t I b 112 nd Z-ethylthiobutyrie acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl 33 32? m this procedure ude o uene we a ester; P d i m I Z-mercaptopropionic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl) mce urei butyl ester; 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butanol is condensed with 2-hydroxyacetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl PP P Y substltufed acetlc ac11 y f i ester; limiting examples of which are acyclic anhydride such 2-carbomethoxyacetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl) as, example, succml? anhydnde and F YF butyl ester; anhydride such as, for example, 2-chloroacet1c anhydride. 3-carboethoxypropionic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cycloas T following specific examples n qt e a q hexenyl)butyl ester; typical procedures. Examples 1 -5 and utilize above Z-carboxyacetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl Procedure Examples and 1 a e ester; I cedure I. Example 9 utllizes above Procedure. III Z-dimethylaminoacetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl) compounds 9 above q ytl I 111 a butyl ester; 40 invent on may be prepared according to procedures out- 2 dimethy1amidopropionic acid lined 1n herembefore mentroned Pat. No. 2,556,150.

hexenyl)butyl ester; EXAMPLE 1 2-1:;tchrylacryhc acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)bu Succinic acid, 3-(4 methyl-3 cyclohexenyl)butyl Crotonic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester; ester Cinnamic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester; A Solutlon 0f H1016) methylsmcmatifi 3-butenoic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester; n 111016) f QYl- Y Y 5-norbornene-2-carboxylic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclobutanol m 5 E ofbenme comammg 9- -P hexenynbutyl ester toluenesulfomc acid was heated to reflux Untlllhe libera- 3 tion of water which was collected in a water trap ceased. i g'i' i f acid 3 (4 methyl 3 cycle The reaction solution wascooled, washed with 5% soexeny H Y dium hydroxide and with brine, dried over magnesium 3-chlorocroton1c acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl Sulfate and concentrated The resulting liquid was dis ester; tilled through a short path apparatus to afford 17.1 of 2,3-dichlorocrotonic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl) pure succinic acid 3 cyclohexenyl) g butyl ester; methyl ester, with a boiling point of 134-139 C..(0.1 Furoic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester; T bl I), Tetrah drofuroic acid, 3- 4-meth l-3-c clohexen l)butyl ester y EXAMPLE 2 I Z-methoxycyclohexanecarboxylic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-. Chloroacetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester cyclohexenyl)butyl ester; The

procedure of. Exam le 1 was followed for th re- Benzo1c ac1d, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester; action of 10.0 (Q06 018) of Naphtholc a t myl ester; v, hexenyl) butanol with 5.7 g. (0.06 mole) of chloroacetic y p p 301d, 3-( Y Qr-- 'i acid; Obtained following distillation was 12.1' g. 'of pure hexenyl)butyl ester; chloroacetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexeny1)butylester," 2-chloro-2-phenylacetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cycl0-' with a boiling point of 116118 C. (0.3 mm.) (see hexenyl)butyl ester; Table I). 2,3-epoxypropionic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyc1ol1exenyl) EXAMPLE 3 v butyl ester; v

2,3-epoxyisobutyric acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl); 2 phenoxybutync acld 3'ggggethym'cyclohexenynbutyl butyl ester. v

The procedure of Example 1 was followed for the reac- 11011 of 84 g. (0.05 mole) of 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl) butanol with 9.1 g. (0.5 mole) of 2-phenoxybutyric acid.

Obtained following distillation was 12.8 g. of pure 2-phenoxybutyric acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester,

. anhydride was stirred and heated to 225 C. for 30 minutes. The cooled mixture was mixed with 100 ml. of ethyl with a boiling point of 154-162 C. (0.07 mm.) (see Table v EXAMPLE 4 Ethoxyacetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester EXAMPLE 5 2-furoic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester The procedure of Example 1 was followed for the reaction of 6.7 g. (0.06 mole) of 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl) butanol with 6.7 g. (0.06 mole) of 2-furoic acid in 200 ml of toluene. Obtained following distillation was 11.0 g. of pure 2-furoic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester, with a boiling point of 136-144 C. (0.1 mm.)

(see Table I).

EXAMPLE 6 Methoxyacetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester A solution of 16.8 g. (0.1 mole) of 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butanol in 20 ml. of ethyl ether was added dropwise over 15 minutes to a stirred, cooled solution of 15.8 g. (0.1 mole) of methoxyacetyl chloride and g. (0.1 mole) of triethylamine in 150 ml. of ethyl ether. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours before the precipitated salts were removed by filtration and the organic filtrate was washed with 5% sodium hydroxide and with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The remaining liquid was distilled through a short path apparatus to afford 3.0 g. of starting 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butanol followed by 13.3 g. of pure ethoxyacetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester, with a boiling point of 1l0-1l2 C. (0.3 mm.) (see Table 1).

EXAMPLE 7 Trans-chrysanthemumic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl) (butyl ester The procedure of Example 6 was followed for the reaction of 5.0 g. (0.03 mole) of 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl) butanol with 5.6 g. (0.03 mole) of trans-chrysanthemurnic acid chloride and 6.1 g. (0.06 mole) of triethylamine. Obtained with 8.6 g. of pure trans-chrysanthemumic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester as a clear, yellow liquid (see Table I).

EXAMPLE 8 Trichloroacetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester The procedure of Example 6 was followed for the reaction of 10.0 g. (0.06 mole) of 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butanol with 10.9 g. (0.06 mole) of trichloroacetyl chloride and 12.2 g. (0.12 mole) of triethylamine. Obtained was 15.0 g. of pure trichloroacetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester as a clear, colorless liquid (see Table I). 1

EXAMPLE 9 Succinic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester.

A mixture of 58.8 g. (0.35 mole) of 3-(4-methyl-3: cyclohexenyl)butan0l and 40 g. (0.4 mole) of succinic ether and the insoluble excess succinic anhydride was removed by filtration. The filtrate was concentrated to afford 93.8 g. of pure succinic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl) butyl ester as a clear, viscous liquid (see Table I).

EXAMPLE 10 Acetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester The procedure of Example 6 was followed for the reaction of 11.8 g. (0.07 mole) of 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butanol with 7.0 g. (0.08 mole) of acetyl chloride and 8.1 g. (0.08 mole) of triethylamine in 200 ml. of ethyl ether. Obtained following distillation was 11.8% of pure acetic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester as a clear, colorless liquid, with a boiling point of 83-86 C. (0.35 mm.) (see Table I).

EXAMPLE 11 Cyclopropanecarboxylie acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester A 30 ml. solution of 6.4 g. 0.06 mole) of cyclopropanecarboxylic acid chloride in ethyl ether was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 10.0 g. (0.06 mole) of 3-(4- methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butanol and 12.2 g. (0.12 mole) of triethylamine in ml. of ethyl ether. After stirring overnight at ambient temperature, the precipitated salts were removed by filtration and the filtrate was washed with 5% sodium hydroxide and with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated. The liquid residue was distilled through a short path apparatus to afford 8.4 g. of pure cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cycyohexenyl)butyl ester as a clear, colorless liquid with a boiling point of 132-135 C. at 0.5 mm. (see Table I).

, EXAMPLE 12 Pivalic acid, 3-(4-mefl1yl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester EXAMPLE 13 Crotonic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester The procedure of Example 6 was followed for the reac-.

tion of 16.8 g. (0.1 mole) of 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl) butanol with 11.0 g. (0.1 mole) of crotonyl chloride and 11.1 g. (0.11 mole) of triethylamine in 250 ml. of ethyl ether. Obtained following distillation was 7.8 g. of pure crotonic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester, as a clear, colorless, liquid, with a boiling point of 97-101" C. (0.2 mm.) (see Table I).

EXAMPLE 14 Methacrylic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester The procedure of Example 1 was followed for the reaction of 33.6 g .(0.2 mole) of 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexeny1) butanol with 17.2 g. (0.2 mole) of methacrylic acid and 0.2 g. of p-toluenesulfonic acid in 250 ml. of benzene.

Obtained following distillation was 10.4 g. of pure methacrylic acid, 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)butyl ester as a clear, colorless liquid, with a boiling point of 98-l04 C.

(0.25 mm.) (see Table I).

TABLEL-INFRARED, NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE AND MASS SPREC'IRA OF THE COMPOUNDS OF EXAMPLES 1-14 Compound 7 1MS moc example- IR[)\(max.) microns] film NMRB in p.p.m. (nH, pattern)] lar i r 1 3.6(s.), 5.8(s.), 7.1(m.), 8.7(s.;, 11-.0(w.), l2.5(m). 5.31011, m.), 4.10(2H, t), 3.65(3H, 5.), 2.60(4H,s.) 282 2-- 3.6(s.),5.8(s,),6.9(m.),8.6(s. ,12.5( 5.31011, m.), 4.19 (2H,t.),4.0( 244 3.. 3;5(s.),5.8(s;),6.8(s.) 8.2(s.) 13.2(s. .3 to 6.7(511, n1.),5.29(1 ,m. 330 4.- 3.5(s.), 5.7(s.), 6.9(m.), 8.4(s.), 8.8(s. H, m.), 4.15 2H, a), 4.0( a 254 5-. 3.6(s.),5.9(s.),6.8(m.),7.8(s.),8.6(m. H, t.),7.08(1H d),e.40(1 .),427(2H t) 6-- 3.5(s.),5.8(s.),6.9(s.) 8.4(s.),8.9(s.), H, m.),4.15(2fi, t.),3.96(2H,s), s)-

, 240 7-- 3.5(s.), 5.8 (5.), 6.9(m.), 8.6(5. 11.8(m H, m.), 4.85011, (1.), 4.05(2H, 31s 8.- 3.5(s.),5.7(s.) 6.9(m.),8.1(s. 10.2(m H, m.),4.31(2H, t.) 314 3.3(m.), 3.5(5), 5.8(s.), 7.0(m.), 8.6(s H, m.), 5.30(1H, m.), 4.08(2H, t.), 2.60(4H, 5.).-. 268 10.-.. 3.5(s.), 5.7(s.), (i.8(m.), 8.1(s.), 9.5(m H, m.), 4.10(2H, t.), 1.99(3H, 210 11.--. 3.5(s.), 5.8(s.), o.9(m.), 8.6(s.), 12.5(m. H, m.), 4.11(2H, t.), 0.90(5H, m) 236 12. 3.5(s.), 5.8(s.), 6.9(m.), 8.7(S.), 12.4(m. H, m.), 4.0:(211, t.) 252 13. 3.6(s.), 5.9(s.;, 7.0(m.), 8.7(s.), 12.4(m. H, m.), 5.82(1H, m.), 5.30011, m.), 4.08(2H. t.) 236 14-- 3.5(s.), 5.9(s. 6.90m), 8.7(s.), 12.5(m. H, m.), 5.48(lH, t), 5.30(1H, m.), 4.13(2H, t.) 236 In the illustration of the utility of this invention, the Compounds are screened at rates of application equivcompounds of the examples were subjected to tests for alent to 16 and 8 pounds actual per acre in a spray volume fungicidal activity and plant growth regulant activity acof 38 gallons per acre. Spray hood constants required to cording to the following test descriptions. The results of deliver the above volume are as follows: said tests are set forth in Tables II and III following 20 B l d 2 h the descriptions. f Spec P All pressure Ad usted to provide 38 g.p.a. FUNGICIDE TESTING METHOD de1ivery Four representative soil fungi, Fusarium oxysporium, Nozzle tip 8003E (PrvideS uniform cross- Pythium debaryanum, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium Sectlon fiat p y)- rolfsii, are maintained on potato dextrose agar in 20 x 150 mm. test tubes. Inoculum for the test is increased in a 1000 ml. Erlenmeyer flask on a 4 corn meal-% sand mixture (by volume). The medium is saturated with water and sterilized by autoclaving at 15 lbs. pressure for 20 Formulations for spray applications (as used in the compositions for which data are set forth in the Table II hereinafter provided) are prepared in 50 ml. volumes with the following components:

minutes on two successive days. The medium is inocu- Sixteen Pounds acl-e rate;

lated by transferring, aseptically, a small portion of my- (1) 148 grams compound celium from the test tube cultures 14 days prior to using (2) 49 1 acetone as Solvent moclllllm- (3) 1 ml. xylene-Atlox 3414 (surface-active emul- An inoculated medium for each of the four soil orgaifi nisms is prepared as follows: A 14-day old 1000 ml. flask of the corn meal-sand inoculum is used to inoculate 20 Eight pound per re rate;

10-oz cups of sterile soil by blending the inoculum and (1) 1.24 grams compound.

sterile soil for 10 minutes in the cement mixer. (2) 49 ml. acetone as solvent.

The inoculated medium is then placed in 10 oz. wax (3) 1 m1. xylene-Atlox 3414 (surface-active emultreated cold drink cups (20 cups of each organism) and ifier),

treated as follows: 150 mg. quantity of each candidate fungicide is weighed on the analytical balance and formu- Compounds which are not available in sufiicient quantity lated using 10 ml. of acetone and 190 ml. of H 0. A 50 for machine spraying are applied by hand with a DeVilbiss ml. quantity of each chemical formulation is used to atomizer. drench 1 cup inoculated with each of the four fungal Two weeks after treatment, an evaluation is made as organisms. Immediately after the cups are drenched, they to plant defoliation or chemical pinching.

are placed in polyethylene bags (1 cup per bag) and held at 70 F. for fourteen days. TABLE IL-FUNGICIDALACTI'VITY" OF THE COMPOUNDS After ten days, each cup is examined for the presence OF THIS INVENTION of fungal growth and each compound rated for percent Organism contacted inhibition of fungal growth.

Compound Concentration Fusarium Pythiu'm Rhizoe- Scelgroof of ap lication ozydebar tonz'a ttum PLANT GROWTH REGULANT TESTING METHOD Example- (parts million) sporium Mimi t salani rolfsii The test species propagated for testingis cotton Each 50 30 10 1o 10 cotton species 1s planted indivldually 1n 3-1nch plastic pots 70 containing potting soil. Four seeds of the cotton are seeded 50 o o o 0 to a depth equal to the diameter of the seed. Immediately so after planting all 1 ots a t d b b-' 10 6O 6 p re wa ere y su irrigation m 5 7o 20 so so greenhouse trays. 2g 28 g8 33 8 Spray applications of test compounds are made in a so so 10 30 o hood containing a movable belt and fixed spray nozzle. Treatments are moved to the nh f I 25 90 5O 90 90 gree ouse a ter spraying. 25 60 30 70 Watering during the observation period is accomplished 10 only by sub-irrigatlon; fungicidal activity is measured in percent efieetiveness. v TABLE lII.--PLANT GROWTH REGULANT ACTIVITY OF THE COMPOUNDS 0F THISIN'VENTION Compound Concentration of application, Plant lbs/acre species Results 16 Cotton--.- 109% defoliation of the true leaves and cotyledonary leaves leaving a healthy stem and boll; i.e., mechana1 harvesting aid. 8 ...do Kill of the new terminal buds; an efiect similar to that oi the contact tobacco sucker control agents, i.e.,

a chemical pincher. 16 .--do defoliation of the true leaves and cotyledonary leaves leaving a healthy stem and boll; 1.6., mechan- 8 d i015 harvesting aid.

From the data in Tables II and III, it will be noted that the 3-(4-methyl-3-cyclohexyl)butyl esters of the present invention have a broad range of fungicidal activity and exhibit plant growth regulant activity, such as cotton defoliation and chemical pruning of new terminal buds. They are efiective in the fungicide tests against Fusarium oxysporium, a fungus representing a huge genus of plant disease organisms; Pythiwml debaryanum, an important disease which causes decay, damping oif and storage rot of cotton and many other plants; Rhizoctonia solani and Scelerotium rolfsii, complex disease organisms which cause damping oil of practically all crops. The compounds of this invention also show 100% defoliation of the true leaves and cotelydonary leaves of cotton plants, thus providing an aid to mechanical harvesting. Also, the compound of specific Example 4 shows debudding activity of new terminal buds of cotton plants, thus providing a method of growth control.

The compounds useful in practice of this invention, in exhibiting considerable fungicidal activity and plant growth regulant activity, are disclosed for use in various' ways to achieve such utility. They can be applied per se as solids or in vaporized form, but are preferably applied as the toxic components in fungicidal and plant growth regulant compositions of the compound and a carrier. The compositions can be applied as dusts, as liquid sprays or as gaspropelled sprays and can contain, in addition to a carrier, additives such as emulsifying agents, wetting agents, binding agents, gases compressed to the liquid state, odorants, stabilizers and the like. A wide variety of liquid and solid carriers can be used in the fungicidal and plant growth regulant compositions. Nonlimiting examples of liquid carriers include water; organic solvents such as alcohols, ketones, amides, and esters; mineral oils such as kerosene, light oils, and medium oils; and vegetable oils such as cotton seed oil. Non-limiting examples of solid carriers include talc, bentonite, diatomaoeous earth, pyrophyllite, fullers earth, gypsum, flours derived from cottonseeds and nut shells, and various natural and synthetic clays having a pH not exceeding about 9.5.

The amount of the compounds of this invention utilized in fungicidal and plant growth regulant compositions will vary rather widely. It depends to some extent upon the type of composition in which the material is being used, the nature of the condition to be controlled, and the method of application (i.e., spraying, dusting, etc.). In the ultimate fungicidal and plant growth regulant composition, as applied in the field, active compound concentrations as low as 0.0001 weight percent of the total composition can be used. In general, compositions, 'as applied, containing about 0.05 weight percent active compound in either liquid or solid carrier give excellent results. In some cases, however, stronger dosages up to about weight percent may be required. 7

In practice, fungicidal and plant growth regulant compositions are usually prepared in the form of concentrates,

which are diluted in the field to the concentration desired for application. For example, the concentrate can be wettable powder containing large amounts of a compound of this invention, a carrier (e.g., attapulgite or other clay), and wetting and dispersing agents. Such a powder can be diluted prior to application, by dispersing it in water to obtain a sprayable suspension containing the concentration of active compound desired for application. Other concentrates can be solutions that can be later diluted, e.g., with kerosene. Thus, it is within the contemplation of this invention to provide fungicidal and plant growth regulant compositions containing up to about percent, by weight of the composition of an active compound of this invention.

Accordingly, depending upon whether it is ready for application or it is in concentrated .form, the contemplated fungicidal and plant growth regulant compositions contain between about 0.0001 percent and about 80 percent, by weight of the composition, of an active compound of this invention, and a carrier, liquid or solid, as defined hereinbefore.

Although the present invention has been described with preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the art will readily understand.

What is claimed is:

1. A compound having the formula:

wherein R and R are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkoxy of 1-4 carbon atoms and wherein R is alkoxy of l-4 carbon atoms.

2. The compound as defined in claim 1, wherein R and R are hydrogen, R is OC H 3. The compound as defined in claim 1, wherein R and R are hydrogen, R is -OCH References Cited J. Org. Chem. 1968 33(7), 2991-3, Eng.

LORRAINE A. WEINBERGER, Primary Examiner P. J. KILLOS, Assistant Examiner U .8. Cl. X.R.

71-88, 106, 107, 108, 109; 260-347.4, 347.5, 348 A, 465.4 468 R, 468 H, 468 G, 468 K, 469, 473 G, 476, 478, 481 R, 482 R, 483, 485 L, 486 R, 486 H, 487, 488 R; 424-305, 308, 311, 313, 314

PO-ww UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,773,82 Dated Nov. 20, 1973 Inventofls) Je G. StrQng It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In column 5, line 8, after "for" insert the In column 5, lines 49 and 53, "firans" should be underlined. In column 5, line 55 "trans" should be underlined.

"In column 6, line 16, should be g.

In column 6, line #8,; before "4" insert (parenthesis).

K In column ,7, ExLl l, second instance m" should be (m) In column 7, line 16, after "In" canoe "the" I In column 8,-line 37, "pound" should be pounds In column 8, Table 2, Ex. 6, under Sclerotium rolfsii 'Y6"' should be 6O I I Incolumn 8, line 52, in heading "Scelerotium" should be Sclerotium si ned-and sealed this 20th day of August 197A,

(SEAL) Attest:

GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN s MCCOY M I Commissioner] of Patents Attesting Officer 

